Stevie Lambert: (via JWB)

2026-05-10T12:41:28Z

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{{Infobox:TwilightAgeGroup
|Type = Zu'aan city
|Name = Butrzalla City Zu'Aan
|Parent Groups = N/A
|Descended Groups = Unknown
|Areas Controlled = [[Heliantas River Delta]]
|Date Founded = 4E 60
|Date Disbanded = N/A
}}

==History==

===Origins===

Butrzalla is a zu'aan city located in the [[Heliantas River Delta]] region. It was founded in 4E 60 by a group of huntresses, who belonged to a group of nomad zu'aan of the Ivadara Plains. The women had escaped a kin'toni incursion along the river and subsequently avenged their fallen men by killing the kin'toni in a battle which took place on Densow, one of the land plates of the delta. In the conviction that their victory was a sign from the gods, Muscara Qarapapryk of the Qarapapryk family, one of the strongest and most influential huntresses in the group, persuaded her fellows to stay and make a new home in the delta. The new settlers were nicknamed by the neighbouring tribes ''Prwotjo’galyyk'', which means 'survivors of the river'. Their camp on Densow soon evolved into a lasting settlement. Its history is usually divided intro three phases: the campsite phase, the walled city phase, and the metropolis phase.

===The campsite phase===

In the campsite phase, huntresses lived in tents, wooden or straw huts, and ate swamp and river fish. In 4E 65, a small group of zu'aan farmers settled at the mouth of the river, near the inner corner of the land plate called Adwipon. The two tribes neglected each other for half a year. But at the beginning of the winter, a small band of hungry kin'toni attacked the farmers. Muscara intervened in the fight with a team of huntresses and pushed back the invaders. To show their gratitude, the farmers offered to share the crop of next year’s harvest with the huntresses. Henceforth, a sort of customary deal was made: from that year on, the women were gifted food provisions, so that they could focus on bows and arrows manufacturing, and on fighting; in return, they protected the farmers from every threat that could arrive from the river valley.

===The walled city phase===

Attracted by the fertile soil, and by rumours of a strong tribe of combative but friendly huntresses patrolling the area, many zu'aan settlers arrived. They were nomad shepherds who finally decided to settle and farm the land, and fishermen and artisans as well, fleeing from the harsh conflicts opposing zu'aan tribes along the high course of the Heliantas. The delta area began to be densely cultivated; farms gradually turned into small villages, and the various zu'aan groups partially merged. Even the diffident huntresses finally began to interact with the other groups. Many women found mates among the settlers and formed new families. Their village of huts grew into a city and was named Butrzalla, from ''Buwtr z’all'', 'hearth of the women'. Whether they were descendants of the Prwotjo'galyyk or more recent migrants, people living within the walled city began to be called ''Butr'ikes'', 'people of the hearth'.

In 4E 79, Kindris Sfwiftpace, a young architect from the North Village, showed the huntresses how to build sturdy, durable houses and walls using clay and pebbles. He was from a family of craftsmen who had escaped the kin'toni invasion of their home town. Thanks to his advice, the first walls of Butrzalla were built. Kindris was generously rewarded, and earned a great reputation among the women for his help, to the point that he was offered the hand of young Syella Muwrnakyk, born from one of the most prominent huntresses in the very year of the foundation.

===The metropolis phase===

The term “metropolis” refers to the central role gradually acquired by Butrzalla within the economy and demography of the delta. The beginning of this phase is traditionally set in the year 4E 180, when Maralynae Traaspynger, tenth ''Topah'' of Butrzalla, claimed the title of Protectress of the Delta, which became hereditary afterwards.
With a population of over 5,000 people, Butrzalla is by far the largest urban centre of the delta, and home to nearly one third of the overall population of the region.

The urban centre expanded beyond the boundaries of the city walls, with outskirts of farmhouses, huts and other wooden facilities which have by now almost grown into small villages themselves. Since the walls cannot be expanded further, some towers have been built to watch properly over the surroundings. The metropolis phase saw the beginning of diplomatic relations too, as Butrzalla began to be recognized as a major regional power by the neighbouring zu'aan city-states, like Musalla, Wirentest Keep, and Chulla-Susyu. Nowadays Butrzalla has economical agreements with these cities, and also agreements of allegiance.
The city within the walls is divided into six urban districts.
*The City Centre, where there are the main temples and the largest squares.
*The West District, home to many merchants, soldiers, and farmers.
*The North District, where most of the aristocrats live.
*The Delta District, to the East. The Fortress of Vanimaen is located here.
*The Artisan's District to the South. It owes its name to the shops of blacksmiths and craftsmen which are located here.
*The Lassow District. Named after the delta land plate it is built upon, it is like a city island. Nevertheless, it has been included in the circle of the city walls. Of course there is a gap in the walls where the plates are separated by the river, but the citizens built a mobile wooden gate which stretches across the waterway, creating a connection between the two segments of the walls.

==Psychology==

Butr'ikes are usually described as moderate, austere, serious, and solitary. Living in a distant, scarcely inhabited area, they are not used to strangers, even though they try to act friendly towards travellers. They prefer to stand for themselves, mind their own business, and not to lend a hand unless asked to. People in Butrzalla don't speak much, even with friends and acquaintances. Idle conversation is considered a waste of time, since words are worth to be spent only to solve a problem or make a decision. On some occasions, though, they are likely to be more talkative, typically during private parties. Sharing a long conversation is considered a privilege which is reserved to true friends.

Even so, not all conversation topics are popular or commendable. Talking about business, jobs, or politics in one's free time is deemed to be rude. Cooking and music, for example, are cherished topics. The Butr'ikes are quite sick with neighbouring cities judging them primitive and illiterate because of their hunter and nomad lineage, so they are eager to prove they can do well in fine arts too. The best way to compliment a Butr'ik is praising heartily their pots of flowers or the plants of their garden. Despite the fact that most of the aristocrats are women, there are not many significant social differences between genders. However, there are a few exceptions.

It is unacceptable for a man to ask a woman out, or to make her a proposal. The proposal must come from the woman. To elude this social barrier, the youth have a system of hidden signals to ask each other out without talking openly. For example, if a boy drops an apple from the basket he is carrying, he is almost certainly manifesting interest towards the girl passing by in that moment. If a girl crosses her legs while seating at a table, she is telling she'd like to date the boy in front of her, but she's too shy to ask him out.

==Culture==

It's interesting to note that the city of Butrzalla retains some old cultural features dating back to the times when the Prwotjo'galyyk, the first founders, came from the Ivadara Plains. They were nomads huntresses, and brought with them the traditions of hunter tribes, like sitting around large campfires during festivals but also political debates. These fires now enlighten the nights of Butrzalla and for an outsider it's weird to see men and women gathering around them outdoor even in Winter, instead of building halls or other large facilities to meet in. Such public buildings do not exist in Butrzalla, apart from the Fortress of Vanimaen, and the temples: when for some reason – either vile weather or other special condition – it's not possible to stay outdoor, festivals and public meetings are held in the hall of the Sanctuary of Mother Earth, which can host up to three thousand people.

Another tradition inherited from the hunters of the plains is the so called 'bone fair' (''katigarruwa''): the youngest hunters collect the bones from the first preys of the year and sell them, or sometimes distribute them for free. Bones are employed to build hairbrushes, needles, and other small instruments of daily use; small bones like finger bones, spine bones and teeth are given away like amulets against bad luck. Many boys and girls manifest their love to each other by giving the other person a small animal bone or artefact made of bone.

Trade is not highly developed, but merchants who do not want to traverse the plains, which are inhabited by zu'aan bandits and hostile kin'toni, sometimes pass through the delta region where Butrzalla is located, instead of the long Ivadara road. In Addition to that, there is a small maritime commerce via fishing boats sailing down the coast. A branch of the Ivadara road enters Butrzalla through the pass of Wirentest, which is guarded by the militia of Butrzalla. Merchants usually stop along the road with their carriages to sell their products.

==Government==

In the early campsite city phase, the community regulated itself through the assembly of all the adult members. Some huntresses among the strongest, or the most endowed with personal charisma, where more influential as a matter of fact, and were followed as leaders, but they had no formal power over the community. In 4E 78 two “chieftains” were designated, but this system did not last long. In 4E 97, Kendrah Plawrastr acquired enormous popularity for she had bravely repelled the invasion of the Nurnasians, which were zu'aan from a neighbouring hostile city. In addition to that, Kendrah recovered from a lethal-seeming wound after praying goddess Tehwetra, so she was considered blessed by the gods.

Accordingly, she was awarded the title ''Topah'', 'princess'. At first that was only an honorific title, but Kendrah's adoptive daughter, Sveyla Plawrastr-Khrill, managed to strengthen her influence over the military, through her friendship with some of the ''Golpyzes'' captains. This way, the armed forces were virtually put under the ''Topah'''s control, granting her absolute pre-eminence within the government of the city. This princess-led government system has been preserved because it is believed to be a guarantee of equality of all citizens, with the princess being an impartial judge among them. However, after Sveyla's death, the title of princess became elective.

The assembly, made of five hundred representatives of the citizens, chooses between different candidates and the elected princess is in charge for ten years. Furthermore, the assembly also elects three 'overseers of the people', while two more overseers are appointed by the princess herself. The overseers are in charge for different areas of competence: religion and public cult, regulation of markets and prices, public festivals, organization of the military, agriculture and trade. One of them is also entrusted the administration of justice, and he or she can appoint up to three judiciary assistants. The management of relations with other cities and foreign people is left to the ''Topah'', although she cannot make some important decisions (which are catalogued by an edict) without the approval of the assembly.

Every group of families in Butrzalla has the right to send some representatives to the assembly, in proportion to the number of citizens. There is a member every ten citizens. To be appointed as a member of the assembly, he or she must have completed his or her period of compulsory military service, or, if unable due to health conditions, must have served the city for at least three years, under conditions which are established by the overseers. Whoever has been judged guilty of a crime, or condemned to ''wryna'', 'public shame' due to moral misdemeanours, cannot be sent to the assembly as a member, nor can be appointed overseer or judiciary assistant.

Among the defensive facilities built in the metropolis phase, the Fortress of Vanimaen is of particular importance to the city life. Located at the eastern edge of the city walls, the Fortress was a gathering point for soldiers preparing to depart for their expeditions. But nowadays it is the official residence of the ''Topah''; its stone halls are used for public meetings, and to welcome special guests such as emissaries of allied cities and tribes. Overseers can have their private offices in the Fortress too, and the whole facility is watched by a permanent team of twenty hunters and twenty ''Golpyzes'', commanded by a Fortress Captain.

==Military==

During the years the city has progressively modernized its defensive system and military organization, evolving from a hunt-based combat fashion into a more complex and diversified warfare. The traditional bows, arrows, and javelins are still important components of the armament. They are employed by a body of soldiers known as ''Theyrrates'', 'Hunters', who serve as explorers, messengers, and guards of the commercial routes as well. In the advanced phases of the urban development, close combat evolved too. Thanks to the small commerce carried out by foreign merchants, metals such as bronze have been imported, allowing metal craftsmanship to begin.

The core of the militia is made of ''Golpyzes'', heavily armed soldiers bearing a bronze shield and a wooden spear with a sharp metal point. All men and women over nineteen have to serve in the militia for at least three years, although military employment is strongly recommended and encouraged afterwards too, as it represents one of the best career opportunities for the youth. The three-year-long military service was introduced with an edict by ''Topah'' Ialina Jirrowakyk, with the aim of strengthening the response to the frequent kin'toni raids on the delta region. At its height, the militia was composed of nearly 1,000 soldiers. Seven hundred of them were ''Golpyzes'', split into five ''morezs'' or squads, each led by a captain.

The Hunters are split into several little squads of variable number, and only one commander oversees them all. He or she is called ''Ma'theyrrath'' or 'Great Hunter'. The most remarkable deployment of the Butrzalla militia in history was in 4E 189. Topah Maralynae Traaspynger answered to the call of the northern zu'aan city of Nimbalin, which was besieged by the forces of two kin'toni clans. Maralynae sent eight hundred militiamen, led by her sister Zlateen Traaspynger. Despite their comparatively small number (there were more than two thousand kin'toni) the Butr'ikes won the battle thanks to their discipline and their superior tactics on the field.

In fact, the kin'toni were from barbarian clans and attacked in a chaotic, disorganized crowd; the Butrzalla militia, on the other side, was disposed into well organized lines which were like barriers of bronze shields, stopping the kin'toni advance. After two days, the surviving kin'toni eventually dropped the siege and left. The grand chamberlain of Nimbalin, Phenton Willem, was impressed by the deeds of the Butr'ikes, and proposed them to work permanently at the service of his city as mercenaries. But Zlateen refused: they would only fight to defend themselves or their friends, not for the sake of a reward. However, she accepted to take Phenton's young son with her (in Nimbalin it is tradition to lend “hostages” as a sign of friendship and allegiance). The youth followed the militia to Butrzalla and eventually became Zlateen's lover.

==Religion==

The composite religious environment in Butrzalla is the result of many different spirtual tendencies. The eldest core is represented by the Ancient Gods, brought in by the Prwotjo’galyyk, which embody the powers of Nature, the Seasons, and the main applications of zu'aan craftsmanship and lore as well. Among them, a prominent role is assigned to Tehwetra, the goddess of hunt, one of Mother Earth’s daughters. However, as they slowly turned into resident warriors, the huntresses received many religious elements from the other tribes and groups which settled in the delta region. That is why in Butrzalla several temples exist, which are dedicated to various gods worshipped in distant zu'aan cities. Among the temples the following are of noticeable relevance:

*Temple of Bay'al in the North District. Bay'al, known as the ''Bridwogastr'' ('Warring Child'), is the god of war, workmanship and perseverance.
*Temple of Anora in the City Centre. Anora, the Blessed Maiden, is worshipped in the deep South of the continent. Her cult was introduced by a group of refugees who found shelter in the delta region in 4E 111. Anora represents purity, but also wisdom and resilience. The Butr'ikes loved so much this young divinity themselves, that they awarded her worshippers the uncommon privilege to build her a temple in a square of the City Centre, not far from the Sanctuary of Mother Earth.
*Temple of Yywadara in the West District. Yywadara protects travellers, merchants, gypsies, and street artists. Her temple is built near the west gates of Butrzalla.
*Temple of Jirama in the Artisan's District. Also known as the Golden Prince, Jirama is the god of richness, prosperity, and good fortune. Being austere and modest, the majority of Butr'ikes don't love this foreign divinity very much, in the conviction that he nourishes rapacity and greed. However, the cult of Jirama quickly spread, because he is fabled to bring wealth to his most fervent adorers.

Everyone in Butrzalla is free to follow his or her own religious beliefs, but only a few sacred festivals are officially recognized: the midwinter propitiatory offerings to Tehwetra; the sacred procession to call upon Mother Earth's fertility; the three-day-long New Year's celebration at the beginning of springtime.

==Miscellany==

Due to its foundation by a group of women, Butrzalla has earned the nickname of “Amazon City”, and some zu'aan tribes, who have never visited it, think that males are mistreated, exploited or subjugated by the women there, which of course is not true.

Another popular (but incorrect) belief is that in Butrzalla most women are taller and physically stronger than the average man. Actually, being the aristocracy led by women, most upper class girls are encouraged more than their male siblings to work out from an early age, maintain a perfect physical efficiency and pursue a military career. That's why in a few elite families the girls end up being stronger than the boys. The rumours have just expanded this relatively rare occurrence beyond its real limits.

{{NearbyGroups
| Centre = {{PAGENAME}}
| North = Unknown
| Northeast = Unknown
| East = Unknown
| Southeast = Unknown
| South = Unknown
| Southwest = Unknown
| West = Unknown
| Northwest = Unknown
}}

{{CrossSiteAttribution
| User = [https://www.deviantart.com/laurensalv Laurensalv]
| Holder = Laurensalv
}}

[[Category:1st-century Twilight Age zu'aan cities]]
[[Category:Laurensalv's contributions]]

Butrzalla City Zu'Aan - Revision history

Stevie Lambert: (via JWB)